Prism Health North Texas (PHNTX) and several of its community partners will gather to honor “35 Years of Red” on the 35th annual World AIDS Day on Friday, December 1. The organization invites local community members, advocates, and allies to gather with PHNTX staff for an afternoon of community and building free HIV and STD testing from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Oak Cliff Health Center, located at 219 Sunset Avenue in Dallas. Attendees who utilize the free testing can receive a DART bus voucher and goodie bag following their test.
Designated in 1988, World AIDS Day is an annual international day of reflection on progress made, remembrance of those lost, and raising awareness of action still to be taken to address HIV infections and the AIDS epidemic. The theme of World AIDS Day 2023 is “Remember and Commit”, selected to remember those we have lost, commemorate the 35+ years of dedication by advocates around the world and to honor their efforts with a renewed commitment to ending the epidemic by 2030.
“Through remembrance, we draw strength and determination to redouble our efforts in fighting the disease and providing support to those with HIV. It’s time to remind ourselves of the importance of compassion, empathy, and solidarity in the face of adversity,” Harold J. Phillips, MRP, Director of the White House Office of National AIDS Policy said in a statement. “Each one of us can make a difference, whether through working to improve health equity and disparities in access to prevention, care, and treatment; promoting scientific education and awareness; or supporting organizations that work tirelessly to serve those at risk and living with HIV.”
Prism Health North Texas opened in 1986 as AIDS Arms Network, two years before the first World AIDS Day, in response to the effects of the HIV/AIDS crisis in North Texas. The organization has been a leading provider of care for people living with HIV, offering treatment and prevention services, education, and community support for 37 years. Today, PHNTX operates five community health clinics, three pharmacies, and three dental clinics in the North Texas region.
“Today, on the 35th annual World AIDS Day, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to ending the HIV epidemic,” PHNTX CEO Dr. John Carlo said.
